Source And Correct Size For Sail Lacing...

[chris pearson]

Looking for sail lacing for my Old Town Wolf Pond, Leg-O-Mutton rig. Size on my lateen sail is just under 3/16" diameter. I need specifics, size and source. My new sail is darcon and cream in color so off white in color is preferred but white I guess is okay too. West Marine is pricey so Id like to find more economical source. Also looking for sheet rope and halyard rope. 1/4"? What braid is preferred? I have nice 4 brail on my other sailing canoe I think. Thanks in advance guys!!!!!! Chris

 

[Dan Miller]

Twisted, not braided, for halyards and sheets. Talk the Geoffrey Burke about getting some POSH line from him. Your canoe will ooze tradition.

 

[Benson Gray]

Cotton laid (i.e. twisted not braided) rope was probably used originally and similar synthetic ropes are readily available today in similar sizes. If you want to optimize the efficiency of your sail than the best lacing technique is to tie a small loop through the grommet on the sail and around the spar. This will allow you to most easily adjust the position of the sail along the spar. However, it takes a very long time so no production manufacturer that I know about ever did it this way.

The information at http://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/969/ lists the line lengths and other details for Old Town's sailing canoes. The image at http://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?attachments/rig-sizes-gif.1064/ includes the "Lace Robe" lengths for various sail sizes which should give you some ideas for your lacing length. There are a variety of ways to attach a sail to the spars which will also influence the length of line required.

I usually just go down to my local marine store and pick a twine for sail lacing that looks good. The ones at https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/products/seine-twine-white-1lb-nylon-42712.html will probably work for you. Small synthetic lines usually don't hold knots well so I use a double fisherman or barrel knot. The modern solution is shown at https://www.westmarine.com/buy/bainbridge--mast-hoop-sail-slides--4474193 for sails made after the 1960s.

Something like https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/products/commercial-3-strand-nylon-rope--foot-or-reel--42842.html or https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/pro...yester-natural-rope--foot-or-reel--42849.html can be good options for other lines.

Good luck and let us know what you end up deciding,

Benson

 

[Todd Bradshaw]

You might also look at local fabric stores if they sell drapery fabric and supplies. They will frequently have pretty good quality, usually polyester (more stretch and UV resistant than nylon) drapery cord in the 1/8" diameter range, which makes good lace line and is pretty inexpensive.